Tool storage: Wall mounted or under workbench?
Hi everyone,
I've been looking to build a storage case for my hand tools for some time now. I have a design for a wall mounted cabinet, but lack the wall space to really place it conveniently. There is no where in my shop that would really work for a wall mounted cabinet. My workbench is admittedly too wide. So mounting it above my bench is out (if/until I fix the width).
I spent some time looking around my shop and trying to spot the under-utilized areas. My idea was to use as much as I could for storage with the hope that I could find a spot to mount my tool cabinet. Lately I've been going through my tools and eliminating the ones I don't use/need. Many of these will be put up for sale over the next couple months (subtle heads up there!).
During my search I noticed that the two places where I could really improve. They turned out to be under my work bench, and under my lathe tool cart. The lathe cart needs to be completely re-designed. That is for another forum. But I'm currently working on a plans to add a cabinet(s) that features appropriately sized drawers. This cabinet should have enough room to hold most of my hand tools safely and securely (it will be lock-able).
However, I'd like to put this question to all here.
- What kind of storage system do you prefer for your handtools? In a closed/ opened cabinet? Cubbies along a wall?
- Or a drawer in your workbench?
- And why do you prefer them?
Thanks!
Thanks for all the comments
Thank you all for participating in this thread. It seems that the consensus is for wall mounted, opened cabinets. But that is mostly due to the ease at which they can be re-configured.
I have to say that all of your comments show a deep appreciation for the rather fluid nature of the work shop and how much things like work patterns, number of tools, and shifting priorities can change your focus over time.:D
My problem is that my shop is not what you would call a "dedicated Neander shop". I use my lathe quite a bit and I'm not ready to go fully unplugged (just yet). This makes planning out my shop space rather difficult.
You've given me a lot to think about.
Thanks again.